Sun Dec 01 16:27:46 UTC 2024: **Sambhal Mosque Violence: Judicial Commission Begins Investigation Amid Tight Security**

SAMBHAL, INDIA – A judicial commission investigating the violence that erupted in Sambhal on November 24th visited the Shahi Jama Masjid and other affected areas on Sunday. The visit, conducted under tight security, comes after four people were killed and numerous others injured during clashes surrounding a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque.

Two members of the three-person commission – retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain – inspected the sites where the violence occurred. The third member, ex-IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad, was absent. The commission members declined to comment to the press.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that the commission’s primary objective was to examine the locations and speak with some individuals present during the disturbances. He confirmed a future visit is planned and a detailed schedule will be released subsequently.

Singh also revealed that the situation in Sambhal is gradually returning to normal, although restrictions on outsiders remain in effect until December 10th. Authorities have identified approximately 400 individuals involved in the violence. The restrictions, imposed by the district magistrate, prohibit the entry of outsiders, including politicians and social organizations, without prior permission.

The commission’s investigation, mandated to be completed within two months unless extended by the government, will determine if the violence was spontaneous or pre-planned. It will also assess the police and administration’s response and recommend preventative measures for future incidents.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Iqbal Mehmood visited families of the victims, offering condolences and promising financial support from the party. His son is among the suspects named by the police, who have also charged Sambhal MP Zia ur Rehman and over 2,750 others, many unidentified. The petition that prompted the survey claims a temple once existed on the mosque’s site.

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